Tianfeng TF-HX-30B Precision Refrigerated/Heating Circulating Bath

Overview

The Tianfeng TF-HX-30B Precision Refrigerated/Heating Circulating Bath is a dual-mode, high-stability temperature control system engineered for laboratory environments requiring precise thermal management across a broad operational range (−20 °C to 99 °C). Unlike passive water baths, this unit integrates active refrigeration and heating circuits within a single stainless-steel reservoir, enabling dynamic thermal regulation via closed-loop PID control. Its core function relies on forced convection through an internal circulation pump—capable of both intra-bath homogenization and external fluid delivery—thereby serving simultaneously as a primary temperature-controlled reaction chamber and a secondary thermal source for peripheral instrumentation. The bath’s architecture adheres to fundamental thermodynamic principles of heat exchange: the air-cooled hermetic compressor provides rapid cooling capacity, while the optimized evaporator geometry ensures uniform thermal distribution and minimizes axial/radial gradients. Designed for continuous operation under load, it maintains temperature stability within ±0.1 °C—critical for kinetic studies, calibration traceability, and applications sensitive to thermal drift.

Key Features

• Integrated refrigeration and heating system using an imported air-cooled hermetic compressor, delivering consistent cooling power without external chiller dependency
• Stainless-steel inner tank (280 × 250 × 230 mm) resistant to corrosion from aqueous, organic, and mildly acidic media
• Dual-circulation capability: internal recirculation for bath homogeneity; external porting (with adjustable flow valve) for remote temperature control of ancillary equipment
• Microprocessor-based PID controller with intuitive touchscreen interface, real-time digital display of setpoint, actual temperature, and elapsed time
• Programmable functions including delayed start, timed shutdown, and user-defined temperature ramp profiles
• Comprehensive safety protection: over-temperature alarm, differential-temperature fault detection, and automatic compressor cut-off upon sensor failure
• Compact footprint (690 × 540 × 1070 mm) with reinforced structural housing suitable for benchtop or floor-standing deployment

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TF-HX-30B accommodates a wide spectrum of sample containers—from standard Erlenmeyer flasks and jacketed reactors to custom immersion probes—within its 30 L working volume. Its non-reactive stainless-steel interior permits use with water, ethanol, glycol-water mixtures, silicone oils, and other common heat-transfer fluids (viscosity ≤ 500 cP). The unit complies with ISO 9001:2000 quality management standards throughout design, production, and final inspection. While not intrinsically certified to IEC 61010-1 or UL 61010-1, its electrical architecture conforms to general laboratory safety requirements for Class I equipment. When integrated into validated workflows (e.g., pharmaceutical dissolution testing per USP , viscosity calibration per ASTM D445), the bath supports GLP/GMP documentation through manual log entries; optional RS232/USB data export enables timestamped temperature logging for audit trails.

Software & Data Management

The embedded control firmware supports real-time monitoring and basic parameter logging via front-panel display only. For extended data acquisition, the unit provides analog output (0–10 V DC) proportional to measured temperature and digital communication via RS232 serial interface (TTL level, 9600 baud, N81). Third-party SCADA or LabVIEW-compatible drivers can be deployed to record temperature history, trigger alarms, or synchronize with external instruments such as rotovaps, viscometers, or electrophoresis systems. No proprietary software is bundled; however, the communication protocol is openly documented in the technical manual to facilitate integration into existing laboratory information management systems (LIMS). All operational events—including power cycles, setpoint changes, and alarm triggers—are stored in non-volatile memory for post-hoc review.

Applications

• Temperature-controlled chemical synthesis and reaction monitoring in jacketed glass reactors
• Calibration of thermometers, RTDs, and thermocouples against NIST-traceable references
• Viscosity measurements using capillary or rotational viscometers requiring stable thermal environment
• Cooling support for vacuum pumps, mass spectrometers, and electron microscopy systems via external coolant loops
• Thermal conditioning of biological samples during electrophoresis, PCR setup, or enzyme activity assays
• Stabilization of optical components and laser diodes in spectroscopy and metrology setups
• Accelerated stability testing of pharmaceuticals and polymers under controlled thermal stress

FAQ

What types of heat-transfer fluids are compatible with the TF-HX-30B?
Water, 30–50% ethylene glycol/water mixtures, and silicone oils up to 100 cSt viscosity are routinely used. Avoid halogenated solvents or highly volatile organics due to vapor pressure and material compatibility constraints.
Can the unit maintain temperature stability during external circulation?
Yes—when configured for external flow, the bath sustains ±0.1 °C stability at the reservoir sensor location. Actual delivery temperature at the remote device depends on hose length, insulation, and ambient thermal loading.
Is remote monitoring or network connectivity supported?
RS232 serial output allows connection to PCs or PLCs for basic telemetry. Ethernet or Wi-Fi modules are not natively available but may be added via third-party interface converters.
Does the unit meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records?
No—the device lacks electronic signature capability, audit trail generation, or role-based access control required for Part 11 compliance. It may be used in Part 11 environments only when paired with validated external data acquisition software.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Compressor oil and refrigerant levels require verification every 24 months under continuous operation. Condenser coils should be cleaned quarterly in dusty environments; circulating pump impeller inspection is advised annually.